Christmas Village Decks City Hall with Vendors for Holiday Season

Christmas Village in Philadelphia presented by NRG returns to Philadelphia for the 2016 holiday season at Philadelphia’s City Hall (1400 JFK Blvd.). Decking the halls into a traditional, open-air German Christmas Market, it is open daily through Christmas Eve, Saturday, Dec. 24, 2016.

Christmas Village lights up the City Hall Courtyard and Northern Apron with holiday sights and sounds featuring thousands of twinkling lights, festive Christmas decorations, live music at the main stage, children’s activities and photos with Santa. Shoppers will find high-quality, international and local gifts and decorations. Visitors are also invited to warm up with a glass of warm mulled wine or hot chocolate while enjoying the great variety of European food and drinks. Admission is free and food, drink and shopping pay as you go.

Now in its ninth season, Christmas Village in Philadelphia has grown into one of the region’s most unique and charming holiday attractions. After breaking the attendance records with 700,000 visitors last year, organizers expect to attract more than 780,000 people in 2016. Christmas Village has in the past found a home in LOVE Park but due to construction, will make the exciting change to Philadelphia’s City Hall Courtyard and Northern Apron for the new year.

Eighty international and local merchants and artists are busy preparing high-quality and lovingly crafted gifts that will be sold in decorated tents and wooden houses that will pop-up throughout Center City’s famous City Hall. Once again, Christmas Village in Philadelphia will be accompanied by the Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market, which presents local arts and craft vendors from the greater Philadelphian area. With ornaments, toys, apparel, jewelry, decorations, home goods, artwork and more, there will be something for everyone on Santa’s list.

Just follow the smell of gingerbread and waffles to a full menu of European food, sweets and drinks, including mouthwatering German bratwurst or schnitzel served on a roll (Brötchen). Look for special menu additions, including Döner Kebab (a German specialty featuring fresh meat shaved right off the rotisserie spit, placed in a warm pita pocket with tomato, onion, and our delicious homemade sauce) and try a warm mug of traditional German Glühwein (spiced mulled wine) or rich hot chocolate.

On top of the great shopping and dining experiences, visitors will enjoy a Wish Wall in conjunction with the Make-a-Wish Foundation, kid attractions on weekends, a photo spot at Santa’s House, themed days and weekends, tasting tours with Chaddsford Winery, live music during evenings and weekends on the events’ main stage and other new surprises in store.

You can’t miss this oversized Christmas tree that trumps City Hall at this angle.

Hats and clothing are just some of the vendors at Christmas Village.

We especially loved the light up lanterns at night, a beautiful festive sight for sure.

The land of German meats awaits!

Classic Russian dolls in many styles from traditional to modern.

New this year is the wicked fast carousel for only $3 a ride, for children and adults alike.

Since Christmas is a feast for the whole family, Christmas Village in Philadelphia becomes more dog-friendly. Bring your dog to City Hall and take dog photos with Santa or relax at the dog fuel station with great treats from dog vendor Kylies Canine Treats.

Treats for humans too like The Bacon Jams delicious spread.

Classic German gingerbread hearts and delicious smelling roasted almonds are always amazing.

Cute little velvet bags for the little ones on your list.

Wandering Waffle snacks are available to taste and carb load along the way.

Take an exercise break to burn off some seasonal gluttony at Rothman Ice Rink at Dilworth Plaza.

Philly fries are twice fried, because we are one the fattest cities in the U.S. and proud of it!

Donuts are available too this one needed some powdered sugar sprinkled on top for pure greasy perfection.

Attached to the ice rink is this enclosed area to warm up on freezing cold nights.

Just in case you need to get some last minute snack gifts.

A nutcracker leads the way into the whittled from wood tent, all hand crafted goodies.

These guys are actually incense holders and the smoke blows out of their mouths.

Some Christmas cheer music on the stage will be a frequent sight to see during the holidays!

For those who like to rip their faces off through hot sauce, here they are.

This one is not as spicy but still does the trick with a kick.

Super delicious sweets and some sugary santa beards for those must have selfies from Shane Confectionary!

Even if you just walk through, the spirit of the season will infect you. Take a walk, get in the spirit of the season and if that doesn’t work, the mulled wine will!